Gurgaon, Dec 20 (IANS) Home player Priyanshu Singh defeated Delhi’s Kshitj Naved Kaul three and two to clinch the 115th Amateur Golf Championship of India title at the Classic Golf Resort here on Sunday.
In the big final played over 36 holes, Priyanshu, who also plays in the US collegiate championship, was one up at the halfway stage without ever slipping behind Kshitij.
But the second round really tested Priyanshu to the hilt. Thrice he lagged behind 15-year-old Kshitij and by the 12th hole, it seemed that Priyanshu had lost the momentum. But in a sudden turnaround, he clinched next four holes via birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th holes and a par at 15th thereby getting an unassailable lead.
Priyanshu was all praise for his young opponent. “It was a great game. Kshitij surprised me with 11 birdies and a hole-in-one on fifth today. I am glad that I could control my mind in front of my entire family and friends who were following me all throughout,” the 19-year-old said in a release.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. There can’t be any other special feeling than winning in front of your own people. I am very excited about the opportunities that I will get through this victory especially playing at the Indian Open next year,” added Priyanshu.